Marugame Castle

Castle

Prefecture

Kagawa

Type

Castle

N/A

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Train Access

Plan a trip with Marugame Castle

About This Destination

One of Japan's 12 original castles, famous for having the tallest stone walls of any castle in the country at over 60 meters.

Marugame Castle is known for its tall stone walls, which rise over 60 meters from base to summit, making them the tallest of any castle in Japan. While the wooden tower at the top is one of the smallest among original castles, the journey uphill through four tiers of gracefully curved stone walls is the real highlight. Built in 1660, the castle offers panoramic views of the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea from the hilltop. The stone walls suffered partial collapse during heavy rains in 2018, and ongoing restoration work can be observed from designated viewing areas. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage make the castle grounds particularly scenic. Open 9:00 to 16:30, with free access to the castle grounds.

Location

Prefecture: Kagawa

Address: Marugame, Kagawa, Japan

Nearest Station: Marugame

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–16:30

Hours note: Hours are for the keep. The castle grounds are free to enter.

Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms around one of twelve original wooden keeps atop tall stone walls

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Udon shops around Marugame Station; Kagawa is the udon capital of Japan

Official Website

Access

Kagawa, Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Marugame Castle?

It is about a 10–15 minute walk from JR Marugame Station.

What is Marugame Castle famous for?

It is known for its towering stone walls, among the tallest in Japan at roughly 60 m in total over four tiers, topped by a small original wooden keep on Kameyama hill.